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.
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"
Spreading joy through service!💐💚
Last week, U.W. Clemon Elementary School's Student Lighthouse Team and Peer Helpers volunteered with Grace Klein Community, a nonprofit organization that provides resources to those in need here at home and globally. We are so proud of the effort these students put in and know their work will make a positive difference! Way to go!👏
3 months ago, JEFCOED
Students smile and hold up hand-drawn cards while standing outside a brick building.
Students stand outside, placing potatos into bags.
Students sit at a table inside a room and pack supplies into boxes.
Students sit at a table and write messages on colorful pieces of paper.
Students stand outside a brick building and hold up bouqets of flowers.
Congratulations to the Student Lighthouse Team for the 2025-2026 School Year!

These students were nominated by teachers for consistently showing the characteristics of a leader: being dependable, reliable, and respectful, possessing a strong work ethic, demonstrating exemplary conduct, and showing good judgement and decision making skills!
The Student Lighthouse Team gathered today for their first meeting to learn more about their role, get to know each other and participate in some team building activities! 💜🐯

💜Student Lighthouse Team 2025-2026💜
Alfonso Cardoso
Xavion Blackmon
Zion Nettles
Andre Zepeda
Trinity Morton
Ian Felton
Lauren Dickey
Ma'lani Pettway
Jordyn Duff
Jose Gonzalez
Canaan Taylor
Jimena Calzada
Kameron Thompson
4 months ago, U.W. Clemon Elementary School
Student Lighthouse Team 2025-2026
Join us for Holiday Lunch at UWCES!
4 months ago, U.W. Clemon Elementary School
Holiday Lunch Sign up
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.
Surrounded by smiles and school spirit!✨🐅
How precious are these photos of U.W. Clemon Elementary School students watching Minor High School's band and cheerleaders march by?!💜 Homecoming traditions are so special, and we love seeing our JEFCOED family celebrate!
5 months ago, JEFCOED
Three elementary students sit on a sidewalk and smile. One is holding a fan in her hand.
Four elementary school students sit on a sidewalk and smile.
A little girl with a bow in her hair sits on a sidewalk and smiles.
A high school dance team performs on the road in front of an elementary school.
Marching band members perform in front of an elementary school.
High school cheerleaders perform in front of an elementary school.
Join us on Thursday, September 25th at 5:30pm for Open House at UWCES!
5 months ago, U.W. Clemon Elementary School
Open House is September 25, 2025 at 5:30pm
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"
We are so proud of our UWCES Leaders of the Week! These students were chosen by their teachers because they consistently demonstrate Habit 1: Be Proactive by having a positive attitude, taking responsibility for their actions and focusing on solutions instead of problems! 💜🐯
6 months ago, U.W. Clemon Elementary School
UWCES Leaders of the Week
The Minor Feeder Pattern knows how to throw a Back-to-School Bash!💜🐅
We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who participated in this weekend’s event, along with our incredible employees and volunteers who made it possible!
Students and their families enjoyed face painting, performances, games, haircuts and so much more! What a special and memorable start to the school year!📚
6 months ago, JEFCOED
Two girls wearing face paint hug each other and smile
Three children sit in salon chairs while they get their hair cut
An adult and child sit on chairs outside in a grassy field. The adult paints the child's face.
Four people stand outside and smile. One of them, a woman, holds a baby.
Cheerleaders wearing purple shirts and black shorts hold one pom pom in the air, and the other on their hip as they perform a cheer on a grassy field outside.
A young woman and a girl hug each other and smile.
A drum major leads a marching band through a parking lot
Cheerleaders stand in a grassy field, performing a stunt. Several stunt groups hold cheerleaders in the air.
A group of adults and a child smile at the camera while standing in front of a photo backdrop set up on grass.
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.
2025 JEFCOED Title I Parent Survey We are in the process of conducting an evaluation of our Title I Parent and Family Engagement Program, and we would like to know what you think. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. The responses will be used to improve next year’s Parent and Family Engagement program. If you have questions about the survey or need assistance, please contact your child's school. Your answers are confidential. Click HERE for the Parent Survey Link Estamos en el proceso de hacer una evaluación al Programa de Título I y Compromiso Familiar, y deseamos saber su opinión. Por favor tome unos minutos para completar esta encuesta. Las respuestas serán usadas para mejorar el programa de Compromiso de los Padres y Compromiso Familiar del próximo año. Si tiene preguntas acerca de la encuesta o necesita ayuda, favor de llamar la escuela de su niño(a). Sus respuestas son confidenciales. Click HERE for the Parent Survey Link
12 months ago, U.W. Clemon Elementary School
🎉💙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.