Student Spotlights September ’21

Students at Pine Grove Elementary received a special gift, a new backpack filled with school supplies. The backpack giveaway is called “Project Back Pack” and was courtesy of Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys. The students were excited to receive the back packs throughout the school. The fifth grade classes received their backpacks at a pep rally in the gym with the Baldwin County High School cheerleaders, band and the Tigerettes on hand for the

The 2020-21 Volleyball was recognized and awarded by the US Marine Corps and The American Volleyball Coaches Association again for their outstanding academic work in maintaining a combined overall GPA of 4.0 #Toroproud, #Baldwinproud

Students in Mrs. Harbaugh’s 5th grade class at J. Larry Newton were challenged to build the tallest tower they could out of index cards! The only rule was for each card you use, you must write something on it with something you all have in common! It was so fun especially toward the end when the lead changed so many times when cards fell!

Foley Elementary School Sixth graders think Mrs. Hart is a total ROCKSTAR! Mrs. Hart is our Librarian and Technology Coordinator, and this week she is issuing over 800 ChromeBooks to our students! We appreciate her so much!

Happy 3rd day of 3rd grade from Mrs. Cork’s class at Fairhope West Elementary! We had a great first week of school!

The Christ the King Catholic School faculty were certified in CPR as part of their pre-planning to begin the school year.

It was back to school for Baldwin County Public Schools including these students at Bay Minette Elementary. Students were greeted by student helpers, teachers and administrators as they made their way to the classroom. Many students also started their day in the school cafeteria, enjoying a nutritious breakfast.

The Gulf Shores Middle School cheerleaders attended UCA camp at the Foley Sports Tourism Center. They received blue superior ribbons for their cheer and camp routine. They were named the 2021 Champ Camps for the large Jr./JV division on the final day of competition. Portia Hollis, Ella Gilbert, Carson Mckee, Emmie Johnson, and Ella Godbold were named All-Americans and invited to perform at the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Disney World.

These 3rd graders at J. Larry Newton School enjoyed synergizing and thinking win-win during their stem bin rotations!

We are excited to announce that Bayside Academy won the 2021 Nappie Award for Best Private School in Baldwin County! Thank you to our faculty and staff for making Bayside the best place to be. Go Admirals!

Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore high school students work with Coastal Alabama Community College to begin Dual Enrollment courses on August 23rd.

After Hurricane Sally completely destroyed Mrs. Moreno’s Cosmetology room and lab at South Baldwin Center for Technology, she and others have put a lot into getting it better than ever.

Thank you to the staff of SBCT, the Baldwin County Schools Maintenance Department, and Mr. Mowdy’s District CTE office for all that you have done. It took a year and it took a village but it is officially ready for the 2021-2022 school year.

Bayshore Christian School “Head volleyball Coach Dave Omtvedt and head baseball Coach Jeff Hauge were honored at the 2021 AHSAA banquet for winning a State Championship in their respective sports for the 2020-2021 school year!”

These amazing Spanish Fort Middle students received a positive office referral this week! Positive office referrals are something SFMS is adding this year to recognize our students who go above and beyond to show good character, kindness and Toro pride. Thank you SFMS PTA for the awesome Chic Fil A gift cards.

Bayside Academy students celebrated the first day of school on August 18th with the traditional ice cream social. Pictured are Jay Loper and Lanier Bixler.

Bayshore Christian School Faculty & Staff gathered together for in-service for fellowship, worship, training, & preparing for the arrival of their students.

Bayshore Christian School Grammar School Parent Orientation was blessed with a huge turnout! Thank you to all the parents who came out & joined us in fellowship & preparation for the next school year!

Mrs. Nix’s class at Summerdale School practiced Habit 6 by synergizing. Students put together puzzles as a group. What’s the catch? Only the leader can touch the puzzle and they are blindfolded!

Daphne East Elementary’s School Counseling Program was recognized by the Alabama State Board of Education with a “Resolution in Recognition of 2020 Alabama School Counseling Programs of Distinction for Alabama Schools.” Mr. Doherty, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Morris were in attendance in Montgomery for this honor. Congratulations Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Morris and the Daphne East School Counseling Program!

Mobile Bay Magazine named Isabella McCormick ’21 a 2021 Wonder Kid! Isabella could be seen in the stands as the Bayside Academy Admiral, in the computer lab going over layout as the co-editor of Bayside’s award-winning student news magazine BA Today and award-winning literary magazine Azimuth Circle, and under the spotlight in a leading role on the stage. We are thankful for her leadership in the classroom as well as in the stands.

Alabama Boys State, sponsored by the American Legion, is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. Ethan Kellerman, Landon Murray, Ryder Burns, Matthew Bradley, Kameron Prim, and Aiden Sanders were chosen to represent Foley High School at this year’s Boys State session.

Boys State was held at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. At Boys State, the delegates had the opportunity to build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as Congressmen, state elected officials, business leaders, civic leaders, and others. Delegates had the opportunity to join interest groups that focus on their individual areas of interest such as law school, fire college, law enforcement academy, aerospace academy, lobbyists, city government, county government, constitutional convention, engineer/computer academy, and environmental interest group. Delegates also had activity time during which they were able to participate in recreational activities such as basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, academic bowl, etc.

Gavin Valentine was a delegate at the 84th American Legion Alabama Boys State. He was a credit to his community and to Fairhope High School. Gavin was involved in the City Government. After being elected to a position in his city, he participated in real time hands-on experiences dealing with everyday issues pertaining to a municipal government. He placed himself in the shoes of a real-life official and handled various scenarios to provide effective and efficient government for his fellow citizens. His parents are Gretchen and Jeff.

American Legion Alabama Boys State is a leadership program for young men who have completed their junior year of high school and are leaders in their schools and communities. This year’s delegates also include the young men selected for 2020 Boys state in 2020 since that session was canceled due to COVID-19. Boys State provides delegates with a working knowledge of how governments function on the city, county, and state levels. Boys State is a full and active week held on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Bay Minette City Council recognized four Baldwin County High School students who were selected as delegates for Alabama Girls State and Alabama Boys State. They included Maddie Beaver, Andrew Donald, Carter Hall and Landen Harville.

Maddie and fellow delegates spent a week on the campus of the University of Alabama learning how government works. The delegates are divided up into cities and political parties, hold elections and learn how laws are made and cities, counties and states are governed. In addition, delegates have the opportunity to hear from speakers and leaders in government and business and also took part in community service projects. Alabama Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.

Boys State is sponsored by the American Legion and participants are chosen from the around the state based on their demonstration of hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities. This program also took place at the University of Alabama. The three BCHS delegates were sponsored by American Legion Post 188 in Bay Minette.

The Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation recently received a $4,000 grant from The Fairhope/Point Clear Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama to support the expansion and renovation of the Pelican’s Nest Science Lab on the K-1 Center Campus in downtown Fairhope.

The funds will be used to expand field and STEAM Lab experiences to all K-6 students and expand STEAM learning for students in grades 7-12 by providing space, resources, curriculum and teacher training. STEAM equips students with critical thinking, problem solving, creative and collaborative skills, and ultimately establishes connections between the school, workplace, community and global economy

“The Fairhope/Point Clear Community Foundation is making great strides to strengthen the local community,” said The Community Foundation of South Alabama President & CEO, Rebecca Byrne. “This third grant cycle is a testament to this community’s diligence and helps support organizations like the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation, which provides high quality educational opportunities for students”

FEEF has worked over 25 years to raise funds to enrich the education of all Fairhope public school students and is excited about the FEATHER the NEST Capital Campaign to Preserve the Past and Prepare the Future with the renovation and expansion of the Pelican’s Nest Science Lab on the historic K-1 Center property.

Social/Digital link: https://saintbenedict.net/st-benedict-catholic-school-robotics-team-ranks-10th-in-world-tournament/

St. Benedict Catholic School is now known on the world stage thanks to students Lauren Wood and Lauren Baird who placed 10th in their division at the VEX IQ World Tournament. The VEX IQ Challenge, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, provides elementary and middle school students with exciting, open-ended robotics challenges that enhance their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills through hands-on, student-centered learning.

During the live remote event, over 1,600 teams from 30 countries and 49 US states competed in timed, heart-pounding robotics competition matches with their custom-built robots. Wood and Baird represented their region of Alabama as the only team in the Middle School division.

“I am so incredibly proud of these young women for their creativity and perseverance,” said SBCS Principal Dr. Kathy McCool. “They worked hard to design, create, and compete with their robot. And that hard work certainly paid off!”

St. Benedict Catholic School is proud to offer a robust STEM program where students can learn about technology and engineering while simultaneously improving math and reasoning skills. All students have a weekly STEM lab, where they have the opportunity to use different programs – from coding their very own interactive games to designing 3D models that come to life on a 3D printer.

Students at Bay Minette Middle School had a great first week of school. Staff and students are ready to have an awesome year.

Students, Staff and Teachers at Perdido School in North Baldwin County have returned to the classroom and are ready to work hard on a fantastic 2021-22 school year.

Our Christ the King Catholic School 2021-22 Peer Helpers participated in the beginning of the year training at St. Michael Catholic High School the week before school began.

Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore Hurricane Sally renovations are complete and beautiful!

Students at Daphne East Elementary School had fun during PE as schools across Baldwin County are enjoying the second day of the 2021-22 school year.

Bay Minette Elementary School teacher D’natia Kennedy found a productive way to keep busy during a recent battle with Covid. Determined to not waste away the time, she instead designed and published her own book – a traceable alphabet workbook. The ‘I Can Trace! The Alphabet’ workbook pulls double duty in that it also introduces young children to the American Sign Language alphabet.

“I believe the earlier students begin learning ASL, the better it will stick. That is where my book comes into play,” she said. “The book is targeted at pre-school and kindergarten-aged students. As they learn the alphabet and letter formation, they can also begin learning American Sign Language as well.”

The elementary teacher said she plans to create a series of workbooks to expand the lessons to other topics including colors and shapes, among others.
Kennedy said she has been interested in ASL since she was eight years old.

“My motivation was that my family was having a reunion and my cousin, who is deaf, was flying into town. I so desperately wanted to communicate with him.”

That curiosity continued to grow and found its way into her classroom. “Fast forward to my first teaching job, I began incorporating ASL into my phonics and spelling lessons. Before long, my students wanted to learn more and began communicating with each other through ASL,” she said. “Through learning ASL, my students developed a strong appreciation for deaf culture, and it promoted understanding and acceptance of the language among others.”

Kennedy began learning sign language while she was a fourth grader but said her students were not the only ones who benefitted from the lessons. “It’s a good skill to keep in your pocket,” she said. “Last year, I was relearning right along with my kids. There were very excited to communicate to each other without talking.”

Kennedy is a 2020 graduate of the University of Mobile where she majored in elementary and early childhood education. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Elementary Education there. As part of her college courses, she worked as a student-teacher at Pine Grove Elementary. Following graduation, she accepted a position as a second-grade teacher at Bay Minette Elementary School.

This year, Kennedy will serve as a kindergarten teacher and plans to again incorporate sign language into her lesson plans. She hopes that it will have a life-long impact on her students.

“My goal is to help bridge the gap in communicating between the hearing, the non-hearing, and the hard of hearing with this next generation,” Kennedy said. Copies of the book “I Can Trace!” can be purchased on Amazon.

Spanish Fort Middle School dedicated the Choir Room to Mrs. Fyock. Family & friends gathered for this dedication. What a great way to honor Jennifer Fyock for her love and dedication of music and the students she touched on her journey through life. Once a Toro, always a Toro, Mrs. Fyock. We will always have you in our hearts.

The Fairhope High School 9th Grade Academy officially opened July 26 with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the new $10 million school. The Fairhope High Academy is the first ninth grade academy in the county.
Students and families toured the facility and met administrators along with Principal Jon Cardwell at the conclusion of the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Teachers attending the Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference this summer enjoyed learning the process of Tie-Dye as a creative way to teach art and science strategies. The Tie-Dye classes were taught by Fine Arts Supervisor Amy Plunkett and art teacher Tarin Majure.

Students enrolled in the AMT115 course, this Summer offered at Fairhope Academy, has come to an end. Students reassembled the plane while learning how to weigh the wings, assemble rigging, connect the electrical wiring as well as install the gas tank. Students also made sure the plane’s lights were connected properly. This was truly a great learning experience. This course was 1 of 2 some of the students had the opportunity to complete this Summer with Coastal Alabama.

Bike helmets were given out to Kindergarten and First Grade students at the Fairhope Rotary Youth Club! BCBE School Resource Officers from the Fairhope Police Department spent the afternoon talking to kids about bike safety and, with the help of a donor, made sure all had new bike helmets!

Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the pinnacle of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and it’s available exclusively to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors (9-12 grade). Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) would like to recognize Baldwin County High School student Emma Claire Johnson for receiving the Gold Award.

Through the Gold Award, girls engage in a rigorous leadership process, as they tackle issues they’re passionate about to create long-term, sustainable change. To earn the Gold Award, girls typically spend one to two years exploring the root cause of a local or global issue and partner with the community to create lasting solutions.

For Emma Claire’s project, she created a reading mentor program for students. In her program, she paired advanced students with the students in the Reading Studies programs or with students who are identified in other classes as needing assistance. The goal of her project was to help students improve their reading skills as well as their study habits. Emma Claire met with advisors and other adults at her school for guidance on her project. She also created a timeline for herself to ensure a successful and organized program.

Emma Claire tells us, “When thinking about my Gold project, I figured my best and most natural choice would be to get others to read more. Reading has helped me in so many ways, especially at school. My reading comprehension has increased as well as my vocabulary. Reading has also given me things to talk to others about and has helped me find things I have in common with people that I may not have been connected with.”

Because of her Gold Award Project, Emma Claire believes she has been able to step-up and become a leader for others. She says, “I have been able to step out of my comfort zone and became involved in other community organizations.” Emma Claire has learned courage and strength through this project and will continue to carry these values with her as she goes to college to pursue a degree in nursing to later apply to become a Physician’s Assistant.

Congratulations to Murray Walker and Sarah Carter Hare for winning their age division in the Jimmy Green Tour. Both are 7th graders at Spanish Fort Middle School. Way to represent Toros!

Fairhope East Elementary third graders are meteorologists, scientists, and engineers with the PNSL Wacky Weather!

They learned all about weather, weather instruments, building structures, and hurricanes. They worked in groups to design and engineer a hurricane-resistant home. We are so grateful that Mrs. Hardman came to do an in-school field trip for all third grade!

Talon in Mrs. Whiddon’s 5th grade class at Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School is unboxing his supplies and getting ready for the school year!

18 – Congratulations to Central Baldwin Middle Justin K (1st), Luke B (2nd), and Gennavieve K (3rd), our winners of the 1st annual Baldwin Strong Fishing Tournament! Justin Kelly won 1st place as master angler! Thank you to our local sponsors for making these opportunities possible for the youth in our community! Stay tuned for information to join as we kick off another year hosting this tournament series for all youth in Baldwin County!

It’s was a GREAT day to be a PIRATE the first day of the 2021-22 school year at Fairhope East, and we were so very happy to see our sweet students!

At Daphne Middle the first day is off to a great start! We welcomed the kiddos and they are pictured in class.

The Little Lions at Florence B. Mathis Elementary School received a warm Mathis Lions welcome!

Hughes Hayden is so excited to return for another fun-filled year as a pirate at J. Larry Newton School.

Thank you to the American Legion Post 99 for supplying Foley Middle School with a new American Flag!

J. Larry Newton Kindergartners in Mrs. Nall’s class learned all about their school library and how to care for the books they borrow.

CTKCS faculty/staff orientation took place on Tuesday, August 17, beginning with Mass. Everyone is looking forward to a great year!

Ms. Scogin’s 2nd grade class at Robertsdale Elementary School had a great day!

Foley Elementary School was thankful to welcome families back into the building today! 2021-2022 is off to a fantastic start at Foley Elementary!

Students, teachers and staff at Rockwell Elementary School are thrilled to be back in school.

Mrs. Harris’ crew at Fairhope West Elementary had the BEST first week of FIRST grade!

Mrs. Nisewonger’s first grade at Fairhope West Elementary class had a wonderful first week learning about their new classmates and their classroom!

Mrs. Jones’ Geometry students at Fairhope High sorted geometrical properties and had a little fun!

First graders from J. Larry Newton school are learning to work as a team and how to sequence numbers by building their own number line.

3rd grader, Mark G. who is attending Baldwin County Virtual Elementary School, picked up his supply box this morning and got straight to work. Super excited for a great year at BCVE/MS

Students at Spanish Fort Middle returned to the classroom and met with teachers, 6th graders attended a pep rally and learned their way around the school.

Congratulations to the Daphne Jubilee Girls. They completed this summer at the UDA Camp at UAH and brought home:
– Overall Superior Trophy
– Nationals Bid
– The 110% Award
– 3rd Place Home Routine
– 6/6 All Americans: Avery Bynum, Katelyn Few, Madeline Shipman, Ava Brickner, Morgan Bias, Gracie Foster
– All Superior Ribbons – Individual Performances
– 2 Pin It Forward Awards: Trinity Lofton, Emma Pippin
The DHS Family is SO proud of you!

Students at WJ Carroll Intermediate School are thrilled to be back in school.