October 27, 2008
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Corporate Sponsor
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We are pleased to welcome three new adopters to the Adopt-A-School Program. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is now a partner with Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. The Deltas join current adopters, Capital Real Estate and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.. Partnership plans for the year include activities for the school with both the alumni and active members of the sorority.
The Legacy Connection (TLC), formerly Druid City Answering Service, began the school year working with Duncanville Middle School. Along with James Bailey TaeKwonDo, The Legacy Connection sponsors a Student of the Month recognition program. Each month two students from each grade are selected by their teachers for going “above and beyond showing eagle spirit.” Eagle is the school mascot and the recognized students receive a “student of the month t-shirt” and celebrate with a special lunch sponsored by TLC.
Alabama Adventure provided ticket incentives early in the school year for Brookwood Middle School students and officially became an Adopt-A-School partner in October. They join Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. as an adopter for BMS and recently attended their first monthly planning meeting with school personnel and representatives from Mercedes-Benz.
Currently 86 businesses and organizations serve as Adopt-A-School partners for one or more of the 54 public schools. Several schools have requested an additional co-adopter. Contact the Adopt-A-School Office, 391-0563, for more information regarding becoming an adopter. |
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Members of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, local and state elected officials, students, and members of the community gathered at the site of th e new Sipsey Valley High School and Sipsey Valley Middle School for a groundbreaking ceremony on October 23, 2008.
The ceremony celebrated the construction of the new schools, which will serve the communities of Buhl, Coker, Echola, Elrod, Fosters, Holman, Jena, Knoxville, Ralph, and Romulus. Currently, these communities’ students attend Tuscaloosa County High School and Lloyd Wood Middle School, which requires a great deal of travel for some students—a widespread concern. The addition of the Sipsey Valley schools will help alleviate this problem. “We are pleased to be able to provide these future facilities for these fine  students and those who will follow them. These young people will now have an opportunity to attend a middle school and a high school in their own community thanks to the commitment of the Tuscaloosa County Commission and the foresight of our Board of Education,” superintendent of Tuscaloosa County Schools, Dr. Frank Costanzo said.
The school site is located on 161 acres off Boothtown Road and County Road 2 (Romulus Road) in Southwestern Tuscaloosa County. The new school is funded by the Public School and College Authority and Tuscaloosa County temporary one-cent sales tax. |
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The Tuscaloosa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently presented their Second Annual Educational Symposium at Central High School. The purpose of the symposium was to convene key leaders and educators with a vested interest in empowering high school students with strategies and information that would promote academic excellence, positive behavior in school, proper speech, proper dress, and college preparatory skills. The focus for the symposium was determined from school data concerning academic achievement in the schools, data from colleges and universities, and requests from parents and students.
The Educational Symposium positively influenced the students by informing them of the skills needed to become successful in high school, college, and the future. Participants learned how to complete college applications, apply for financial assistance, strategies for taking the ACT/SAT tests, and professional etiquette skills. They also participated in an open discussion with college students. The information presented was current and relevant to the needs of the students. The high school participants expressed a desire for another symposium next year. |
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On Thursday, October 16, 2008 nine students from Northington Elementary Scho ol attended a reception and to “unveil” the display of their art in the gallery of Cadence Bank in downtown Tuscaloosa. This is the first of four exhibits to showcase the artistic talent of the students in Pre-K through the 5th grade. Each year 36 students are chosen to have their art displayed in the bank. The art work is chosen based on artistic ability.
At the reception the students, their parents, faculty from the school and members of the bank staff met to celebrate the success of the creative art work. Following the viewing of the exhibit, students visited with, Eric Heslop, the Tuscaloosa Center President for Cadence Bank. Northington Elementary Principal, Vertis Giles-Brown and Mr. Heslop, marveled at the wonderful work of the students. Congratulations to Ayesha Abuzer, Khirten Graham, Emiya Hayes, Chelsea Hunter, Caelen Jerido, Jacorrie Nealy, Jaylin Sutton, Sarah Washington, and Anthony Ware, artists for this year’s first exhibit. |
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Brookwood Middle School adopters Mercedes-Benz International (MBUSI) and Alabama Adventure worked together to promote perfect attendance. Alabama Adventure provided BMS with tickets to the amusement park to motivate students to achieve perfect attendance.
Students who maintained perfect attendance from the beginning of school until August 27th were presented with two combo tickets to Alabama Adventure. Students who maintained perfect attendance between August 28th and September 10th also received two free tickets. Some students received four free tickets. By the end of the designated time period, three thousand tickets were awarded to students at BMS! Attendance is an important part of reaching the goal of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and BMS is fortunate to have its Adopt-A-School partner’s support in working towards this goal. |
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Westwood Elementary School students enjoyed a unique day filled with a variety of cultural experiences on October 24th. Provided by the Arts and Humanities Council, Adopt-A-School partner for Westwood, the annual SPECTRAFest event has become a fall tradition and an exciting day for the Westwood students. Organized and planned by Sandy Wolfe of the Arts Council and the Adopt-A-School committee at Westwood, the entire day was spent participating in the arts and students enjoyed experiences they otherwise may not have the opportunity to enjoy.
This year’s SPECTRAFest activities included “Bach to Rock”; printing; book making; and pottery making and the artists are part of the SPECTRA program, promoted by the Tuscaloosa Arts and Humanities Council. The hands on activities were scheduled in a rotation that allowed all students in the school to experience each activity. The inclement weather prohibited the blacksmith activity that was planned; however, the blacksmith will visit the school later to share his art with the students.
During the “Back to Rock” prese ntation, the Shelton State Community College singers performed a variety of songs and the Westwood students learned about the evolution and transition of music through the last few centuries. In the book binding sessions the students created their on books using simple binding techniques; during the printing session, each class had to opportunity to create a class mural; and while watching a potter use a potting wheel, the students learned about the special clay needed for pottery and the techniques used to shape the clay into pieces of art. |
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 The goal of the SPECTRA Program is to make the arts an essential part of every student’s education. SPECTRA artists represent some of Tuscaloosa’s best. The artists are highly skilled professional selected not only for artistic excellence, but also for the ability to communicate effectively with young people. A tremendous variety of arts activities are available including the exploration of painting, drawing, acting, and music. Several programs, like “Bach to Rock” are free, while others have a nominal charge and all are scheduled subject to the availability of the artists. To schedule a program or for additional information, call Sandra Wolfe, Director of Educational Program, 758-4994, Ext. 4. |
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For several years, Adopt-A-School partner TTL, Inc. has fulfilled the “Wish List” f or many Hillcrest Middle School teachers. The wishes are usually granted at the beginning of the school year when most teachers have not yet received their classroom-supply funds. This year is no exception, TTL donated not only basic classroom supplies, but they also funded the purchase of instructional items such as magazine subscriptions for the social studies classes and manipulatives for the math classes.
However, the highlight of the wish list delivery day was the presentation of a check for $1,000 designated for the Hillcrest Middle School Choir. David Tait from TTL made a special trip to Hillcrest Middle to present the check to choir director, Khristina Motley. The money will be used to help with the purchase of transportable risers to be used in performances both in the community and the schools. Hillcrest Middle School Choir hopes to raise $10,000 to purchase the transportable risers and the donation from TTL was a great way to begin their fund raising efforts. |
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 Spiller Associated Furniture Stores have a special bulletin board at Crestmont Elementary School and the bulletin board is used to highlight different character traits. The “Character Counts” character traits each feature a short story and an animal portraying a specific character trait. The stories use examples and explain to the students the meaning of the character trait. Tina Walby, from Spiller updates the board regularly and the featured stories remind the students daily that “Character Does Count.”
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 Employees of Morgan Keegan sponsored the first “No Tardy Party” of the school year for students at Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School. Students with no tardies for the first nine weeks were treated to snacks, drinks, and celebration music on the afternoon of October  9 in the school cafeteria to celebrate this achievement. Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School and Morgan Keegan are implementing this reward system each nine weeks to emphasize good attendance as well as the importance of being on time to school. Shania, a Kindergarten student, was quoted as saying, “This party was awesome!” Over 300 students qualified for the reward, and after a positive response from the students, the school and Morgan Keegan expect even more students following the next nine weeks. Faucett-Vestavia would like to thank Morgan Keegan for its continued support of our students and school.
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The following article was submitted by Kathy Chapman, a teacher at Arcadia Elementary School. The article gives a firsthand account of how our adopters influence our students to become involved and make a positive impact on our community!
It was duri ng our very first meeting that Mari McPherson, a past Adopt-A-School coordinator from JVC America, Inc. mentioned that she would be walking for Caring Days… a Walk to Remember. Felicia Gross, the current coordinator for JVC, and Mari brought up the idea that maybe we could involve the faculty and student body at Arcadia. The idea was quickly brought before the Arcadia Student Council. The students knew the perfect way to raise money to sponsor Mari for the walk…a Silly Hat Day! The students brought in donations to be able to wear a silly hat. It did not stop there, not only did the students participate but the faculty did as well. The staff and students of Arcadia collected almost $200 to help sponsor Mari in the walk.
 Mari and Felicia also attended silly hat day, and I have to tell you …they were the hit of the day! Thanks to our JVC coordinator, Felicia Gross, she really knows how to get everyone on the bandwagon and help us go from silly to serious in bringing awareness to such a worthy cause. JVC and Arcadia put the “C” in community service…Cause we Care. Oh, one more thing, I should mention that we had some teachers and our principal join in the walk. Yes, they showed up early in the pouring rain to support JVC. |
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 Buhl Elementary 4th graders visited their adopter, RADICISPANDEX Corporation. During their visit, the Human Resource and Engineering departments gave a presentation on the history of the company and how to make spandex. After the presentation, the engineering staff led the students through a tour of the plant. The students learned about the process of making spandex from start to finish.
In the Quality Control Lab, students were given spandex bracelets and enjoye d participating in a contest. Students and teachers were asked to give a strand of their hair for strength testing. The strand of hair was loaded into the Instron and tested to see how far it could be stretched before it broke. A prize was awarded to the student with the strongest hair. After the tour, the students enjoyed more games and snacks. At the end of the visit, each student was given a small prize with the RADICISPANDEX logo to take home with them. The experience was very enjoyable for the students and the teachers.
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 Ellis Architects, Inc. is a full-service architectural and interior design firm providing design services to clients in the Tuscaloosa area and throughout the state of Alabama. The firm is known throughout our community for design excellence, client responsiveness and professional integrity. Ellis Architects’ client base includes commercial, retail, educational, medical, multi-family, and residential projects.
The firm’s commitment to client service and design excellence is evident throughout Tuscaloosa in successfully completed schools in the community. Working with the city school system, Ellis Architects designed Northridge and Bryant High  Schools and the currently-under-construction Southview Elementary & Middle School. For the county school system, the firm renovated Holt High School, and designed Northside High School, Lakeview Elementary School, and Sipsey Valley Middle/High School, now under construction.
In recognizing the support of the businesses, institutions, and residents of the Tuscaloosa area who have been instrumental in the firm’s success, the firm has remained committed to sharing its good fortune by giving back to the community. Currently, Mr. Ellis serves on the board of directors for the Field of Dreams community playground now under construction at Verner Elementary School. He has provided the design work and coordinated the equipment selection for this accessible playground which will be used by Tuscaloosa families for generations to come. Additionally, Ellis Architects serves on the Adopt-A-School board of directors.
With exciting new projects continually being developed, and proud of its reputation with numerous repeat clients, the dynamic team of design professionals at Ellis Architects continues to grow and maintain its active role in designing projects which are helping to positively shape the environment of the greater Tuscaloosa community, the entire West Alabama area and beyond. |
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ADOPT-A-SCHOOL SPOTLIGHTS are still available!!!! Contact Carolyn Tubbs today for more information on showcasing your partnership on the radio program WTBC 1230 AM/Catfish Country 102.9 FM, TV programs Great Day Tuscaloosa, and/or WVUA 7 News at Four. Emai l carolyn@tuscaloosachamber.com, fax 205.391.0565 or call 205.391.0556 to submit your request.
Pictured is a Crestmont Elementary student at WTBC 1230 recording an AAS Partnership Spotlight. Spiller Furniture is Crestmont’s Adopt-a-School Partner. |
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