Schools
Photo by Erin Nelson.
School system makes good progress toward Pizitz Middle School relocation
The planned move of Pizitz Middle School to the old Berry High School campus is on schedule to happen this coming summer, with major work expected to be complete in early 2020, school officials said. Read more
Photo by Erin Nelson.
New policy addresses cyberbullying in schools
To combat the rise of cyberbullying, Vestavia Hills City Schools, as mandated by the state, passed a new policy that expands the definition of bullying to include online bullying. Read more
Photos by Erin Nelson.
Teachers use technology in innovative, educational ways
Students these days come into school already knowing how to use technology socially, such as for social media, or how to navigate a smartphone for games and apps. But the school district is seeking to use technology to enhance learning. Read more
Neal Embry Starnes Media
School approves new bullying policy, change orders at schools
The policy, named after a 10-year-old Montgomery student who committed suicide, allows schools to investigate online bullying if its effects carry over to the school campus. Read more
Photo by Neal Embry.
Vestavia Hills City Schools earn “A” on 2018-19 Alabama Education Report Card
The Alabama State Department of Education released its 2018-19 Education Report Card on Oct. 18 with high marks for Vestavia Hills City Schools. Read more
Cooper joins Vestavia Hills school staff
While he’s in his first year at Vestavia, Cooper said his goal is to not only get acclimated to his new surroundings, but to be effective at his job and grow in his professional development as well. Read more
Dolly Ridge enjoying positive 1st semester
Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge is off to a great start in its first semester, Principal Ty Arendall said. Read more
Source: Vestavia Hills City Schools.
2020 VHCS budget includes 4% raise for employees
All employees of the Vestavia Hills school system should see a little bit more money in the bank this fiscal year, with the state of Alabama mandating and paying for part of a 4% raise for all school employees. Read more
Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills City Schools.
Arts education taps into students’ creative side
While it’s not usually ideal for teachers to have to turn away students from classes, arts education teachers at Vestavia Hills High School see it as a sign of growing interest and participation. Read more
Photo courtesy of Pauline Parker.
Minority Achievement Council teaches leadership skills to VHHS students
For the past 11 years, the Minority Achievement Council at Vestavia Hills High School has helped minority students learn leadership skills while giving back to their school and community. Read more
Photos by Erin Nelson.
Vestavia Hills school superintendents reflect on first year
The three administrators all said they enjoyed their first year in Vestavia Hills and are looking forward to their future in the system. Read more
Music teacher Bell rings up another award
In August, the Alabama Music Educators Association named Bell the 2020 Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator. Read more
Neal Embry
Board approves additional $260,000 at Berry for more carpool queuing
The move, recommended by Skipper Consulting and Jefferson County, creates an additional 1,000 feet of roadway for carpool, moving traffic off of Columbiana Road. Read more
Photo by Erin Nelson.
Sports marketing class preps students for variety of jobs
A sports marketing class made its debut this fall at Vestavia Hills High School, offering students a chance to learn about a myriad of careers in the sports, entertainment, broadcast and marketing industries. Read more
‘Eccentric’ middle school teacher leaves one of a kind legacy
If you walked into Janie Beale’s classroom at Pizitz Middle School, you may have thought you had walked into a zoo. Read more
Photo by Erin Nelson.
Lessons from the past: Pizitz teacher Kelly Sorrell aims to increase Holocaust education
Kelly Sorrell has received a grant from the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, which has allowed her to travel to Washington, D.C., in 2018 to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and to Columbia, New York, this past summer. Read more
Photo courtesy of Whit McGhee.
Rep. Wheeler awards grants to VHCS principals
State Representative David Wheeler recently awarded several grants of various amounts to three principals at Vestavia Hills High School, Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills Elementary West. Read more
Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills City Schools.
15 Vestavia Hills High School students named National Merit Semifinalists
Fifteen seniors at Vestavia Hills High School have been named to this year’s class of National Merit Semifinalists. Read more
Submitted by Christine McJunkin.
Firefighter speaks to fifth-grade class about 9/11
Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge fifth-grade teacher, Jenna Williams, had a special guest visit with her class on 9/11. Read more
Photo courtesy of Connie O'Brien.
Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School moves to the historic Titusville community
Holy Family Cristo Rey’s board acquired the former Center Street Middle School on June 11, 2019 from the Birmingham Board of Education. Renovations and upgrades were made over the summer in time for classes to begin on August 8. Read more
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