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!

5 months 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.
5 months 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.
5 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces that all Jefferson County Schools and offices will be closed May 25 for Memorial Day.
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!
5 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic wishes JEFCOED students and educators a great summer break and reminds them that students return on August 12.
Shades Valley High School Class of 2026 🎉🎓

Please help us congratulate these remarkable graduates! The journey here was filled with determination, persistence, and plenty of victories, and it’s only the beginning! Endless possibilities lie ahead for these grads!
5 months ago, JEFCOED
A girl turns her tassel during the Shades Valley High School graduation ceremony.
Students wearing caps and gowns sit in chairs during the Shades Valley High School graduation ceremony.
Students wearing caps and gowns walk down the floor of a room during the Shades Valley High School graduation ceremony.
Students wear gowns and sing on stage.
A girl wearing a cap and gown speaks into a microphone during the Shades Valley High School graduation ceremony.
A girl and the Shades Valley High School principal take a photo together on stage during the school's graduation ceremony.
A student smiles while walking down an aisle at the Shades Valley High School graduation ceremony.
A student smiles while walking down an aisle at the Shades Valley High School graduation ceremony.
A student smiles while walking down an aisle at the Shades Valley High School graduation ceremony.
A student smiles while walking down an aisle at the Shades Valley High School graduation ceremony.
When creativity meets passion, anything is possible! 🎨✨

We want to give a big shoutout to Mrs. Culwell, visual arts teacher at Shades Valley High School! She was recently awarded the Drummond Heart of Education Award, which recognizes outstanding teachers across Alabama and provides them with a $1,000 grant.

Mrs. Culwell goes above and beyond to create an unforgettable and impactful experience for her students, and we celebrate her hard work! 👏
5 months ago, JEFCOED
Mrs. Culwell, visual arts teacher at Shades Valley High School smiles for a photo in the school hallway. She holds a large check for $1,000.
Senior Spotlight! 🎓💙

Please help us congratulate Abraham Clark, senior at Shades Valley High School!

Abraham maintains a 3.76 grade point average while taking advanced-level and dual enrollment classes. His achievements outside of the classroom include participating in the Alabama Governor's School, representing Shades Valley as an ambassador, growing as a future entrepreneur through the Future Business Leaders of America, serving on the Teen Advisory Board for Pinson Public Library, creating engineering projects through The National Society of Black Engineers, and developing community projects through the Youth Leadership Development Program.

Abraham also has a passion for helping others! He has completed more than 20 hours of community service through projects like food box distribution and caring for animals at the shelter.

We congratulate Abraham on his many achievements and know he will continue doing amazing things!
5 months ago, JEFCOED
Shades Valley High School senior Abraham Clark smiles for a photo outdoors. He wears a dress shirt and tie and holds a suit jacket in his hand.
Superintendent's Student Advisory Council | Live on JEFCOED TV

Join JEFCOED TV this Thursday for live coverage of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council meeting. We are thrilled to hear directly from students as they provide meaningful input and ask thoughtful questions. The broadcast will get underway at 5 p.m. tomorrow. You can find out how to watch below. ⬇️

📲 JEFCOED TV App: Watch on your phone or download on Roku, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV
💻 Online: Watch on our Facebook page, YouTube channel, or at jefcoed.com/tv
6 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces JEFCOED tv's live coverage of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Today we celebrate our amazing school nurses! Through their compassion and kindness, they make our schools and the world a better place. Please join us in thanking our nurses for keeping our district safe and healthy, and for always caring for our students!
6 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic says "Happy National School Nurse Day." Followed by, "Thank you for changing the world through kindness and care." The graphic also has digital illustrations of nurses.
It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and we're celebrating the amazing educators who pour into our students each and every day! ☕️💙

Our teachers show endless dedication, encouragement, and support to our students as they help them reach their goals in the classroom. Throughout Teacher Appreciation Week and beyond, we hope our educators feel the same warmth and support they constantly give to others. Thank you for brewing up bright futures within our district!
6 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week at the Jefferson County School District.
Today we celebrate our outstanding school lunch heroes! 🦸✨

Each day, our child nutrition employees ensure thousands of students across our district are properly fueled for their day of learning. Being the superheroes they are, these individuals serve with kindness and passion, making each child feel seen and appreciated. To our child nutrition workers — your leadership and authenticity make our district a special place. Thank you for all you do! 👏
6 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic has text and drawings of school lunch room workers. The text says "School Lunch Hero Day." and "Thank You!!"
📌 Hey JEFCOED Family! This is a reminder that tomorrow (Friday, May 1, 2026) is an E-Learning Day for students. We look forward to seeing everyone back in the classroom on Monday, May 4, 2026!
6 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces JEFCOED's E-Learning Day on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Our school bus drivers are always going the extra mile for our district! 💙

From the early mornings they put in, to the meaningful interactions they have with our students, these individuals are truly making a difference every single day.

Please join us in thanking our bus drivers for all they do for our JEFCOED Family! 🚌 👏
6 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic says "Thank You for Always Going the Extra Mile! Happy School Bus Driver Appreciation Day"
To the ones who hold us together, ensuring our schools and offices run smoothly — thank you, today and every day! ✨

Our administrative professionals are the best of the best, handling tasks with efficiency, helping solve problems, and constantly spreading kindness to our students and employees. We are beyond grateful for all our administrative professionals do to help our district succeed!

If you see one of these incredible individuals today, be sure to give them a big thank you!
6 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic says "Happy Administrative Professionals Day! To the ones who hold us together!"
Shining the spotlight on our amazing assistant principals!🌟💙 During National Assistant Principals Week and beyond, please join us in thanking our APs for all they do for our district! These outstanding leaders are dedicated to helping their students and school staff members succeed, and we applaud their endless commitment! We hope you feel loved and celebrated all week long!🎉
7 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic celebrates National Assistant Principals Week.
Today we celebrate our incredible library media specialists! 💙📚 These individuals not only help our students grow their love of reading and technology, but also provide vital encouragement and support throughout their schools! Thank you for all you do to help our district thrive! To celebrate this special day, we caught up with Ms. Jessica Musso, library media specialist at Adamsville Elementary School! Click this link to hear Ms. Musso share what makes her role so special! https://youtu.be/C82qtJ_fkvE?si=QWySbDuN32RzVD4q
7 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic says “Happy National School Librarian Day"
Happy World Autism Awareness day!🌎❤️ Today and everyday, let’s recognize and celebrate the talents, skills, and strength of our JEFCOED Family members with Autism!
7 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic says “Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day"

Happy National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! 💫🎉

We have some of the BEST paraprofessionals here at JEFCOED! From their positive attitudes to their constant support, these individuals truly help our district shine!💙

7 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic has photos of JEFCOED Paraprofessionals posing with students. Text on the graphic says "Thank you for helping our district shine! Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day!"
Playing ball on historical turf. ⚾⚾⚾ Today, the Fultondale Wildcats and Shades Valley Mounties faced off at Rickwood Field -- where baseball legends once played, including Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron. For the Mounties, this is Year 4 of the Rickwood Classic, but for Coach Darryl Dunbar of Shades Valley High School, it’s a homecoming. Before leading the next generation, he played ball at Rickwood during his high school days.
7 months ago, JEFCOED
A Fultondale High School baseball player stands at home plate ready to take a swing, while the catcher and umpire look on. They are participating in the 4th Annual Rickwood Classic at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL.
Shades Valley High School Baseball players sit along the fence and talk during the 4th Annual Rickwood Classic at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL.
Five players from the Fultondale High School baseball team hand over the fence and make hand signals at the camera during the 4th Annual Rickwood Classic at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL.
A pitcher for the Fultondale High School Baseball team pitches a ball during the 4th Annual Rickwood Classic at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL.
Coaches from the Fultondale High School and the Shades Valley High School baseball teams meet with the umpires on the pitchers mound during the 4th Annual Rickwood Classic at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL.
A Shades Valley High School baseball player with the number 25 on his jersey swings a bat during the 4th Annual Rickwood Classic at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL. The catcher from Fultondale High School looks up in to the air to track the ball.
A player from the Fultondale High School baseball team looks onto the field during the 4th Annual Rickwood Classic at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL. He appears to be hot and is wearing his baseball cap. Other players are behind him.
A Shades Valley High School baseball pitcher winds up for a throw during the 4th Annual Rickwood Classic at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL. In the background you can see historical advertisements lining the walls of the field.
Two Fultondale High School baseball players walk towards each other with a hand out, preparing to high five.
The Shades Valley high school baseball team looks on from the dugout as one of their teammates is up to bat. They are participating in the 4th Annual Rickwood Classic at Historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL.
👋Hey JEFCOED Family! This is a friendly reminder that all schools and offices will be closed March 23-27, 2026 for Spring Break.☀️😎 We look forward to seeing everyone back in school on March 30!

We hope you and your families have a wonderful and safe Spring Break!
7 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic is a reminder of JEFCOED's Spring Break. It is scheduled for March 23-27, 2026. Students return on Monday, March 30, 2026.