Tuscaloosa county schools 2014-2015 school calendar

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY SCHOOLS

2014-2015

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Institute/Convocation Monday, August 4, 2014

Professional Development Day Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Teachers’ Work Day Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Schools Open Thursday, August 7, 2014

Labor Day Holiday Monday, September 1, 2014

Professional Development Day Monday, October 13, 2014

Veterans’ Day Holiday Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Thanksgiving Holidays November 26-28, 2014

Winter Holidays begin at the end of the day Friday, December 19, 2014

First Semester Ends Friday, December 19, 2014

Schools close at the end of the day Friday, 12/19/14

Schools reopen for students Wednesday, 01/7/15

Teachers Return – Professional Development Day Monday, January 5, 2015

Teachers’ Work Day Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Students Return Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Holiday Monday, January 19, 2015

*Presidents’ Day/Weather Day Monday, February 16, 2015

Spring Break March 16-20, 2015

*April Break/Weather Day Monday, April 24, 2015

Last Day of School for Students (half day) Thursday, May 21, 2015

Last Day of School for Teachers Friday, May 22, 2015

Memorial Day Holiday Monday, May 25, 2015
Ending of Nine Weeks Grading Periods for Schools
1st Ends- October 10, 2014 (46) 2nd Ends- December 19, 2014 (45)

3rd Ends- March 13, 2015 (46) 4th Ends- May 21, 2015 (43)

*If inclement weather requires school to be closed, days missed will be made up on built-in weather days.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate and empower all students to be college and career ready graduates – prepared to make positive contributions to our global society.

Central Office Administration

Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Swinford

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Walter Davie

Senior Director of Human Resources Dr. Steve Benson

Chief Financial Officer Mr. Danny Higdon

Dir. of Curriculum & Instruction – Eastern Region Dr. Deron Cameron

Dir. of Curriculum & Instruction – Northern Region Dr. Amanda Cassity

Dir. of Curriculum & Instruction – Southern Region Dr. Kathy Hilliker

Director of Special Education Mrs. Ruth Graves

Director of Career and Technical Education Mr. Dennis Duncan

Director of Federal Programs Mr. David Patrick

Coordinator of Student Services Mr. Greg Hurst

Coordinator of Technology Mr. Tom Perrymon

Coordinator of Accountability Mrs. Gwen Harper

Coordinator of Assessment Mrs. Cheryl Wallace

Coordinator of Child Nutrition Program Ms. Kimberly Jackson

Coordinator of Transportation Mr. Allen Walker

Elementary Special Education Specialist Mrs. Pam Stanley

Secondary Special Education Specialist Dr. Patricia Powell
Visit the Tuscaloosa County School System website at www.tcss.net for current information of interest to students and parents or call 758-0411.

Equal Education and Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education that the school system shall place an equal emphasis upon the non-discriminatory provision of education opportunities for students. No student shall be denied the benefits of any education program or activity on the basis of race, color, disability, creed, national origin, age, sex, homeless status, marital status, non-English speaking ability, or migrant status. Programs offered by schools within the school system shall be open to all students in compliance with applicable outside agency guidelines, statutory and judicial requirements, and board policy.

Information for Students and Parents

It is the belief of the Tuscaloosa County School System that all students learn, grow, and achieve. Each student is valuable and important to our future; therefore, the educational success of each student is the focus of every effort of the Tuscaloosa County School System.

Curriculum offerings in the Tuscaloosa County School System are designed to meet standards and guidelines established by the Alabama State Department of Education. Curriculum planning and student placement decisions reflect policies adopted by the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education. Parents are encouraged to consult the current Student/Parent Information Guide, school counselors, administrators, and teachers for additional information needed for course selections.


2014-2015

Course Information

for

Middle Schools

Grades 6-8

Tuscaloosa County School System

Brookwood Middle School

Mrs. Becky Brown, Principal – 342-2748

Collins-Riverside Middle School

Mr. Bryant Williams, Principal – 342-2680

Davis-Emerson Middle School

Mrs. Coneta Guinn, Principal – 342-2750

Duncanville Middle School

Mrs. Kaye Ridgway, Principal – 342-2830

Echols Middle School

Mrs. Nancy Terry, Principal – 342-2884

Hillcrest Middle School

Mr. C’Kiimba Hobbs, Principal – 342-2820

Northside Middle School

Mr. Bobby Beasley, Principal – 342-2740

Sipsey Valley Middle School

Mr. Frank Kelly, Principal - 342-2870

Required Courses

Core Courses: All students take academic core courses (English, mathematics, science and social studies) aligned with The Alabama Course of Study/College and Career Ready Standards. Students’ abilities and interests are considered as teachers, counselors, and administrators make recommendations for placement in appropriate instructional settings.
Student placement in English, mathematics, and reading courses is based on several qualifying factors. Students who qualify for honors courses must maintain an end-of-the-year grade point average of at least 75% in each core class in order to continue in the program. Honors courses will reflect the increased rigor of the new College and Career Ready Standards. The Academic Scholars Program, which begins in the 6^th grade this year, will be offered in English, mathematics, science, and social studies, and will be project-based in structure, utilizing the Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) principles.
Math Strategies: Math Strategies is a required course for some students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Formative assessments in mathematics are used to determine placement.
Physical Education: In addition to the academic core courses, students in middle school grades take physical education each year.
Reading Strategies: Reading Strategies is a required course for some students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Achievement test scores in reading and language are used to determine placement.
Special Education Services: Services for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are available for students in middle school grades. Teachers and parents participate in IEP meetings to determine appropriate courses and placement for each student.
Gifted Services: Provided through honors courses and the Academic Scholars Program.  A gifted specialist will provide consultative services. 

Elective Courses

Intro to Agriscience is an exploratory one-semester course that provides Grade 7 students with an overview of the agriculture industry. Available at Brookwood and Davis-Emerson Middle Schools. Fee: $25
Agriscience Explorations is a one-semester course for Grade 8 students. Topics include career guidance, animal and plant science, natural resource management, and workplace skills. Available at Brookwood and Davis-Emerson Middle Schools. Fee: $25
Art 6, 7, and 8

Art electives are one-semester courses. Each course emphasizes the development of skills in a variety of art media and processes. Student experiences in these courses may include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, art criticism, and art history. Fee: $25

Instrumental Music Levels I, II, and III

Band classes are two-semester courses for instrumental music. In the beginning course, students may be divided into classes for instruction

based upon the chosen instrument (woodwinds, brass, or percussion). The advanced course is for students who demonstrate proficiency in playing an instrument. For Levels II and III, uniforms, after-school rehearsals and performances may be required. Audition and teacher approval are required. Fee: $25
Vocal Music Levels I and II

These classes are two-semester courses that develop choral music skills through the study of music theory, sight reading, rhythm, and choral technique. Uniforms, after-school rehearsals and performances may be required. Audition and teacher approval are required. Fee: $25

Career Cluster Technologies II

This course provides students in Grade 8 with an in-depth study of the knowledge and processes needed to increase their level of technological literacy. Available at Echols Middle School. Fee: $25

Communications 6, 7, and 8

Communications electives are one-semester courses. Students develop and practice skills that enhance oral communication, public speaking, listening, and group discussion. Fee: none

Creative Expressions 6, 7, and 8

These classes are designed to provide students opportunities to write and critique creative, original works of prose, poetry, and drama. Fee: none

Introduction to Careers will help 8^th grade students design and select their high school program of study. Students will participate in career exploration activities, interest and abilities identification activities, and work related skills development. Fee: none

Global Studies is a one-semester course which offers 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students the opportunity to study cultures around the world in an exploratory setting. Topics may include the study of cultural history and customs, and an introduction and practice in a variety of languages. Fee: none
Guided Instruction is a one-semester course offering academic support and tutorial guidance for students. Retention of information, note taking, test strategies and interpersonal communication skills are addressed. Placement is determined by IEP. Fee: none
Learning Strategies is a one-semester course offering academic support and tutorial guidance for students. Retention of information, note taking, test strategies and interpersonal communication skills are addressed. Fee: none

Publications is a two-semester elective designed to introduce students to aspects of publishing newspapers, magazines, and/or school yearbooks. A grade of 80 or above in English and teacher approval are required. Fee: none


Technology Explorations, a one-semester course, offers 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students the opportunity to use multimedia tools; learn to evaluate the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems; identify ethical approaches in the use of the Internet; and develop keyboarding proficiency in technique and posture while building speed. Topics may include computer aided design, computer numerical control systems, and digital photography. Fee: $25
Teen Challenges (Grade 6)

Teen Discovery (Grade 7)

Teen Connections (Grade 8)

These one-semester family and consumer science courses provide opportunities for middle school students to explore the basic needs of individuals; personal development; grooming; character education; social and communication skills; family roles and responsibilities; interpersonal relationships with family and friends; peer pressure; conflict resolution; substance abuse; good health habits; management of food, clothing, time, and housing; home safety; fashion selection and care; babysitting; technology; and career awareness. Fee: $25

General Information

Promotion/Grade Classification: Students enrolled in grades 6, 7 and 8 must pass four (4) core subjects (English, mathematics, science, and social studies) and at least one elective each year to be promoted to the next highest grade level. Students who do not fulfill these requirements will be provided opportunities to recover up to two courses during a summer program.
Fees: Fees for elective courses must be paid at the time of schedule pick-up. Some schools may allow for pre-payment of fees or the payment of a deposit on fees at the time schedule cards are returned or before school is out for the current year. Contact the school principal to discuss any difficulty with fee payments.
Schedules and Schedule Changes: Class scheduling is performed by computer. A fee of $10 is required for any schedule change initiated by the student. Schedule changes are not made after the fourth class day of a term. Course availability is affected by student demand, school demand, school enrollment, personnel availability, facilities, and funding constraints. Dates for schedule pick-up will be announced in the local media. To obtain a schedule, the student must pay all fees required for courses selected. No schedule may be obtained by a student until all monies owed to the school (lost textbooks, library fines, etc.) have been paid.
Required Examinations: Comprehensive assessments for all middle school students are administered at the end of each nine weeks. Written examinations or other assessment techniques that measure student mastery of the nine weeks content may be used. Assessments may include portfolios, products, performances, research papers, or projects. Nine-week assessments should count no more than twenty (20) percent of the nine- week grade. The term grade will be determined from the average of the two nine-weeks’ grades.