September 2023 Student Spotlights

Bayside Academy celebrated the first day of the 2023–2024 school year on August 9, 2023. The day featured the traditional first-day-of-school ice cream social followed by a noon dismissal.

Arrow of Light Scout, Parker VanDevender with his dad and den leader, Jim VanDevender represented Cub Scout Pack 177 of Spanish Fort at Rockwell Meet the Teacher.

Daphne Elementary School welcomes a fabulous new team of administrators, Principal Laura Herron and assistant principals, Ginny Clayton and Drew Lee! The faculty and staff are excited to start the 2023/2024 school year! Go Trojans!

Bayside Academy students follow an Honor Code, pledging to not lie, steal, cheat, plagiarize, or assist others in such actions. As part of the Honor Assembly on Monday, August 14, Upper School students signed the Honor Book as tangible proof of their commitment to the Honor Code.

The 2023 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Denver, CO from July 2-6, drawing more than 7,900 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents, explore career pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers.
At the heart of the conference were the highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events. Over 4,300 FCCLA members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights.
We are thrilled to share that Haley Burnett, Sadie Kitchens, and Meredeth Williams proudly represented Elberta Middle School at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Denver, CO. Burnett and Kitchens competed in the Nutrition and Wellness STAR Event and achieved a gold medal and placed 6th in the nation; Williams competed in the Event Management STAR Event and achieved a gold medal and placed 6th in the nation.
The students’ project exemplifies their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their accomplishment at the national level is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and unwavering passion.

On Monday, August 14th St. Michael welcomed 99 new Cardinals to the nest at New Student Orientation. The morning entailed being sorted into their Houses, getting their Chromebooks and walking their schedules. Thanks to our student government, Peer Helpers and their faculty sponsors for organizing a fun morning!

On Sunday, August 13th the senior girls of St. Michael went to Mass together at St. Lawrence and then headed to the parish center to make their senior crowns to wear to the first day of school! We love this fun tradition. Pictured from left to right: Jenna THompson, Madeleine Pitre, Caroline Robinson, Giselle DelAngel, Brianna Marks-Craig, Laura Terrell, Jimena Arrelano.

Technology Student Association from Bay Minette Middle School earned three top spots at the TSA competition at Coastal Alabama Community College. Catherine White and Evan Peppers won first place in Vex Robotics. The team of Pierce Coleman, Khloe Little, Ciara Comalander and Peyton Mendez came in third place in VEX Robotics. The team of Cooper Walker, Rylie Echele, and Nyvaeh Adams won second place in Technology Bowl. TSA sponsor Dana Markulj congratulated her students for their hard work and dedication in preparing for the annual contest. Qualifying teams now advance to the state-wide TSA competition.
More than 100 middle and high school students from Bay Minette, Elberta, Foley, Robertsdale, Foley, Fairhope and Spanish Fort feeder patterns participated in various events such as VEX robotics, dragster, problem-solving, structural design, podcasting, CAD, flight, video game design and much more.
The Technology Student Association (TSA) enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Members apply and integrate these concepts through intra-curricular activities, competitions, and related programs.

Bay Minette Elementary School students were greeted by some special guests on a recent school morning. Members of the Bay Minette Middle School Tiger Paws and the Baldwin County High School Tigerettes welcomed students to campus. The dance team members helped open car doors, escorted some students to the school hallway and greeted everyone with a smile.

Joyful students returned to campus for the Christ the King Catholic School Saints Welcome. Families met their teachers, dropped off school supplies, shopped the new spirit store, learned about volunteer opportunities throughout the year, and more! The feeling around campus proves this year is going to be a great one!

Nature Connect Kindergarten had an incredible start to the school year.
Our kindergarteners tackled math challenges, splashed in the creek, and made many new friends!

Ordo Amoris Classical Academy welcomed its inaugural class of students on August 8, 2023. Our students celebrated their first day of school AND the first first day of Ordo Amoris. We are so thankful for these students and families!

St. Michael is pleased to welcome new band director Tanner Madden! He and our new marching band worked tirelessly in the heat of July to start preparing for our football season!

Mrs. Chaltain’s class at Florence B. Mathis took a brain break and played the Kagan Goofy Game “Show Me, Don’t Show Me”. This got them moving in the classroom and allowed them to learn different nonverbal communication skills!

Summerdale had approximately 80 students for their Walk to School event August 15th. Several parents along with the Summerdale Police Department and volunteer fire department joined in on the morning walk.

Palm Project, the Baldwin County Education Coalition’s newest initiative to engage the Baldwin County community in meeting the tangible needs of students wrapped up an inaugural year of service with an impact that will not soon be forgotten.
“With 56% of our students classified as economically disadvantaged, a poverty indicator, the need is great,” said Terry Burkle, Executive Director for the Baldwin County Education Coalition. “We are honored to coordinate this effort that will provide tangible items, most of which we take for granted in our own homes, that are essential for a child’s academic success.”
Palm Project serves as a resource utilized by school counselors to assist each school in stocking their individual care closets based on the unique needs of the school. Counselors place orders monthly with Palm Project and orders are packaged by volunteers and delivered to the schools. The simplicity of the process frees up time for the school counselors so they can focus on meeting the academic and social/emotional needs of their students.
In early 2022, the Coalition developed and launched palmproject.info, an e-commerce page to manage inventory, track items, and for schools to place orders. A warehouse space was identified and set up to store inventory and process orders on a monthly basis. In September 2022, Palm Project was ready to soft launch to five schools. Additional schools were added in November, and on January 25, 2023, Palm Project launched county wide serving 48 public schools in Baldwin County.
This inaugural year set the tone for a successful and impactful future for Palm Project. A total of $164,420 was raised through direct donations and grant funding. The Coalition fulfilled 148 orders, distributing 5,100 items at a cost of only $27,478.86. Compared to the actual retail value of items distributed, $57,102.79, the Coalition demonstrated responsible fiscal management of funds received, proving the organization is a good steward of the generous contributions of the community.
The most distributed items include stress balls and fidget toys, boys’ and girls’ deodorant, cases of water, journals, flushable wipes, earbuds, disinfecting wipes, chips and head lice treatment kits. While 5,100 items were ordered this year, to illustrate the true quantities distributed, looking at the multi pack item totals is pivotal to understand the impact Palm Project is having in Baldwin County Schools:
“This program has been our miracle. It has allowed us to level the playing field and relieve the stress and worries of basic survival. Students can shift their focus to their education,” said Mary Tomlinson, Counselor at Perdido School. “It has the potential to help break the chains of poverty, lower dropout rates, decrease stress and anxiety of the students and provide a better life for them.”
You can view the 2022 – 2023 Annual Report at www.betterbaldwin.com.
If you are interested in learning more about Palm Project and how you can get involved contact Terry Burkle at tburkle@betterbaldwin.com or visit www.palmproject.info.

It can be overwhelming going to a new school for the first time, so Christ the King Catholic School invited our new families on campus for fellowship and fun! The CTKCS Peer Helpers, along with our Parent Ambassadors and staff, were on hand to answer questions about school for families. CTKCS was able to showcase the sense of community here at the school and we hope this was the beginning of friendships being formed!

Ordo Amoris Classical Academy upper school students had a great first week in upper school at Ordo Amoris! In our humanities class, we’ve explored how Christian worldview relates to education, and discussed our summer reading books, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Hobbit. In Greek, Level I focused on learning the alphabet, and Level II has reviewed grammar from the noun system. In our Bible class, we examined both the creation of the world and the fall of man, as seen in Genesis 1-3. Finally, our 10th-12th grade Rhetoric class explored why Rhetoric is a worthy subject for Christians to study and discussed Aristotle’s description of the Rhetorical proofs of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. (Picture of older students)

Renaissance School student, Abel Klotz visits Hawaii! Abel enjoyed swimming with sea turtles, traditional luaus, touring Pearl Harbor, learning about the Hawaiian culture/belief systems, and the eco system. He also visited the site where over 300 movies have been made! What an amazing and educational experience! Great job, Abel! Your intelligence and adventurous spirit truly shine through.

Renaissance School student, Brad Smith had an amazingly productive and fun summer. He volunteered at VBS, completed a Driver’s Ed course, and held his first job! Congratulations! We’re so proud of you!

It was back to school for students in Baldwin County Public Schools. At Bay Minette Elementary, students were greeted by the smiling faces of teachers, administrators and volunteers as they made their way to their classrooms to start a new school year. Bay Minette Elementary School also welcomed a new principal: Allyson Maxwell.

Magnolia and Foley Elementary came together to welcome back the teachers!
Teachers worked together to paint a mural for each school! Thank you Foley Elementary for hosting all the teachers! They are ready for an awesome school year!

Elementary students in the Daphne feeder pattern recently participated in a weeklong music camp at Daphne East Elementary. The week was filled with lots of musical fun, including playing recorders, ukuleles, Orff instruments, singing, and making homemade instruments. Music Teachers leading the camp included Jason Jackson, Joylyn Ruffin, Katie Rich, Veronica Hoffman, and Blair Degraff.

Bayshore Christian School is excited to announce its first Middle School and Junior Varsity football teams!

Renaissance School student, Devon Shows was chosen and participated in the Junior Volunteer Program at Thomas Hospital. She completed a total of more than 60 hours, and earned the prestigious award of the most volunteer hours ever earned in this program. She has been worked in the Cardiology/Telemetry Department and in the Surgery Waiting area. We’re so proud of you Devon and appreciate your commitment to our community!

Baldwin County Public School students returned to the classrooms August 10, but teachers, administrators and our School Resource Officers were already hard at work. The Bay Minette Police Department has three returning SROs who will be serving Bay Minette Elementary, Bay Minette Middle and Baldwin County High School. An additional officer will be placed at North Baldwin Center for Technology in the coming days.
Corporal Paul Adams is entering his third year as a School Resource Officer at Bay Minette Elementary. Adams was hired on as a patrol officer in 2019.
Bay Minette Middle School will once again be protected by Corporal Jeff Weaver, who is in fifth year in this role. Weaver is a 12-year police veteran including five years in Atmore.
Sgt. Kendrick Bank serves as an SRO at Baldwin County High School. Banks has been with the BMPD for 12 years and is in his sixth year as an SRO. He is also a graduate of Baldwin County High.
Funded by the Baldwin County Board of Education, the SRO program is a partnership between the school system, local municipalities and the Baldwin County Commission. Prior to this partnership, the City of Bay Minette self-funded one School Resource Officer.
Chief Tolbert said the School Resource Officers are sworn police officers and so much more. They also serve as problem solvers, youth advocates, school and community liaisons, mentors, counselors, classroom instructors and positive role models. Along with the benefit of police presence being readily available when needed, these Resource Officers will help the Police Department by eliminating the necessity of calling an officer off the road and into the school should an issue occur.

Spanish Fort Elementary School teachers participated in Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures training! They can’t wait to use these fun strategies for engagement this school year! Thank you Spanish Fort School Commission for funding this wonderful opportunity for the teachers and students!

Renaissance School student, Anna Catherine Thompson attended Lifeteen Camp Covecrest in Tiger, GA this summer with her church youth group. She is pictured here participating in laser tag and with the whole group after playing messy games. During the week there were plenty of opportunities for sports and games, a low ropes challenge course and incredible peace and quiet to concentrate on prayer. She had a blast!! We love seeing our kids so happy!

Baldwin County High School Tiger Volleyball held its inaugural Cornhole Tournament on the school campus in Bay Minette. Winners of the Teen division were Jax Lomotan and Tristan Jernigan. For the Adult Division, Mason Higgins and Parker Burkett finished in first place and the team of John Smith and Chris Cuccia finished in second. Port City Cornhole ran the tournament and sponsors included Coca-Cola and North Baldwin Storm. In conjunction with the competition, the team sponsored a Back to School Bash with Wind Sock and Pin Wheel making, Nerf Gun shooting, and a Spy Scavenger Hunt.
Coach Betty Heaton said the inaugural tournament featured 26 teams competing in two divisions. Next year, the team plans to expand to three divisions: Adult, Backyard, and Teen. “We were so excited about the turnout for the tournament with teams coming from all over the surrounding area and expect it to keep growing in the future with the addition of the Backyard division,” Heaton said. “We are so thankful for everyone that participated, making our first year a success with the proceeds going to our BCHS Volleyball Team.”
If others are interested in supporting the BCHS Tiger Volleyball team, contact Betty Heaton at bheaton@bcbe.org.

Perdido School staff spent the first two days of the 23-24 school year preparing to “Perfect the Play.” In addition to required trainings, the All-Star staff worked with administrators to develop a new school-wide vision statement, focus on their position on the TEAM, and prepared for the new year by studying this year’s “playbook.” Many thanks to Perdido PTO for sponsoring the coffee bar and breakfasts.

Renaissance School student, Anderson Spark went to WA to visit family this summer. His adventures included SUP, kayaking, visiting the islands, going to Mount St. Helens, and hiking snowy Mt. Rainier. Anderson is an incredible artist, a depth thinker, and enjoys conservation.

Elementary music teachers enjoyed a day of professional development at Fairhope East Elementary School. The teachers took turns sharing their favorite music lessons. Creative learning and active collaboration at its best!

Baldwin County public school employees were welcomed to institute by listening to the great sounds of Foley High School’s classic rock band called “The Noise.” The students did a great job! The band is under the direction of teachers, Jimmy O’Cain and Dr. Michael Roy.

BCBE Teacher Institute 2023-2024! Fairhope East Elementary School teachers, staff, and administrators are showing their Pirate Pride at this year’s teacher institute with over 4,000 BCBE employees!

Daphne Middle School is proud to host the third annual Battle of the Bay Compass II Life basketball game. We want to thank the Daphne Police and Fire Departments along with the community for supporting the young men in Baldwin County Schools.

Spanish Fort Middle School teachers Mrs. Sorrell and Mrs. Purser received AIM ACT math plaques for completing the training and passing the test last year!!

Foley Middle School staff and faculty are not the only people getting ready for the beginning of school. Foley Middle Peer Helpers have spent a few days this summer learning some core skills and having fun with team building activities. They also spent a day planning the main event – orientation for the upcoming 7th graders and new 8th graders.

With a new coach the Lady Pirates at Fairhope High School are ready to head to the court for a fantastic season. The Fairhope High Lady Pirates Volleyball team is ready for the upcoming competitive volleyball season. New faces with the same determination to go all in on the upcoming season.

The Robertsdale High School cheerleaders did a great job welcoming people and showing spirit at 2023-2024 Teacher Institute! Go Bears!

Beta Chi Sigma enjoyed helping out at the annual Back to School Bash hosted by The Chosen Youth Outreach Ministry. This was Beta Chi Sigma’s 5th year partnering with them and it was the best year yet! They are gearing up for another great school year!

Summerdale Peer Helpers volunteered at the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Rodeo! Service is one piece to the organization! This was the first Summerdale Peer Helper event of the 2023-2024 year!

The Foley High School Senior Class of 2024 gathered to watch the sun rise on their senior year! Go Lions!

First Day of STEAM 2023 at Stonebridge Elementary with Ms. Jackson and it was a STEAM Sensational Day for Grades K -6. From following directions to getting the wiggles out, the students introduced themselves with the Qball and worked as a team to solve the maze problem. They are Rolling With STEAM!

Many of the seniors at Fairhope High School met at the Hangout in Gulf Shores for Senior Sunrise to celebrate the start of senior year! Wishing you all the best year ever!

Brycen Williams and John Burkett attend Baldwin County High School and Jakob Maddox attends Daphne High School. The three cadets are upcoming freshmen at their respective schools and are members of the Dunlap Division for the US Navy Sea Cadets. All three got the privilege to attend the National Flight Academy at NAS Pensacola where they learned how to fly. They learned the mathematics and STEM behind flying jets for the military and participated in a simulation to land a jet, as well.

Fifth graders put their problem-solving and teamwork skills to use last week when they worked cooperatively to “save Fred” in a fun STEAM activity. They also demonstrated an impressive Leader in Me vocabulary as they drafted their class mission statements. The students were immediately brainstorming ideas, which included the power of “yet,” think win-win, and be proactive. They are off to a fantastic start in 5th grade!

Spanish Fort Middle School students heard from the administrators and Doc Correa to learn more about Spanish Fort’s expectations, Taylor’s Law, safety, and the importance of coming to school every day! It was a great way to start the first full week of school!

J. Larry Newton second graders in Mrs. Bowman’s class have spent a few days working hard on building their classroom community!

Bay Minette Elementary School faculty and staff were able to select treats from a snack cart provided by the school’s PTO. Administrators made their way around campus on a recent school day to deliver the selection of snacks and beverages to the delight of everyone. If you or your business would like to donate snacks or drinks for the Snack Cart, items can be dropped off or delivered to Bay Minette Elementary School, 400 E. 9th Street, Bay Minette, AL 36507. Pictured: Principal Allyson Maxwell and Assistant Principals Adrienne Boeschen and Katina Davis made their way up and down the school hallways delivery treats provided by the PTO.

Some amazing memories from the first week of kindergarten 2023 at Pine Grove Elementary! The kiddos have enjoyed their math manipulatives, name art, Kissing Hand activities, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” activities, painting, counting, Leader in Me morning meetings, singing, dancing, and SO much more!

Kevin (KC) Jones gives a special thanks to Optimist members at the Perdido Bay Optimist Breakfast for sponsoring his opportunity to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference this summer at Troy University.
The HOBY seminar provided an opportunity for attendees to build on leadership skills. Students heard from a wide variety of speakers on volunteerism, public and civic service and current events. Elberta High School and KC truly appreciate the Optimist Club for making this great experience possible!

The Christ the King Catholic School PTO welcomed back the teachers and staff in style! As CTKCS teachers walked in the balloon filled hallway, they were greeted by the PTO and given a “swag bag” with gifts galore! The teachers were treated to breakfast, a teacher survival kit, and a large CTK umbrellas for those rainy carline days! CTKCS teachers and staff feel appreciated by the families and community at the school!

There were miles of smiles at Rockwell Elementary for the first day of school. Students were met with faculty and staff of the school as well as the Toro Task Team members and the Spanish Fort High football team members. Have a great year!

Students at Spanish Fort High are ready for a great year. Seniors were treated to a special welcome-back breakfast, and many wore their senior crowns. Juniors, sophomores, and freshmen are also ready to hit the ground running for a fantastic year.

Yesterday, EF foreign exchange students and their host families from Mobile and Baldwin Counties met on the campus of Daphne High School to fellowship and plan for the year!

‘It takes a village to raise a child’ and Florence B. Mathis Elementary School is so grateful for the village that supports their school! Florence B. Mathis held their annual Partners in Education breakfast this morning to show their appreciation for all the community does to support their students.

Congratulations to the following Daphne High School students for earning a position in the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra!
Lucy Foster, flute
Elizabeth Evans, oboe
Carter Fraley, tuba
Katie Smith, horn
William Stanush, trumpet
Blayklee Swann, flute
Miyu Haskell, clarinet (not pictured)
Congrats to these amazing students!

Spanish Fort High School students kicked off the new school year with an introduction to AP Research using Legos! Students were able to see how the research they conduct this year will add to the body of knowledge!

Mrs. Pouncey’s kindergarten class at Elberta Elementary School enjoyed reading First Day Jitters by charting their first day feelings, writing their first journal entry, and trying a cup of magical jitter juice! They also got to explore workshops!

The W. J. Carroll SRO, Dejuan Jackson, took time on the first day of school to have lunch with some of the 5th grade students. W. J. Carroll is so glad you are their SRO Officer Jackson!

Kindergarten students at Swift Consolidated Elementary School had a fantastic first day of school! They had so much fun writing their names with Play-Doh! The students also went on a bear hunt and met important members of the school staff.

“100” is hard to get on any test! Congrats to the Belforest Elementary cafeteria staff that not only makes kid approved lunches, but also gets high Health Department approvals as well!

In Mrs. Barnes’ 7th grade English class at Spanish Fort Middle School, students took a personality survey to see if they have traits that are closer to a golden retriever, otter, beaver, or a lion. Classes discussed how the strengths and weaknesses of each personality type could be utilized in various classroom activities.

One of the new exciting classes at Elberta High School this year is Guitar I- Harmonizing Music Class. Today marked the first day the guitars came out of their boxes and students started tuning them up. Elberta High School looks forward to guitar performances in the near future.

Happy First Day! Thank you to the amazing staff, students, and parents of Fairhope West Elementary School for helping to make the first day of school run so smoothly! It was the best first day!

J. Larry Newton School had an amazing first day of third grade! Ms. Benefield’s class started their day by making an object out of Play-doh to represent themselves. They are excited for a great year!

Mrs. Johnson’s fourth grade class at W. J. Carroll synergized as they spent some time getting to know one another. Students wrote down facts that they wanted to share with their peers about themselves and their families. Great job everyone!

TIGERS ARE READY TO ROAR! The Stapleton School tigers are ready to roar into a fantastic 2023-24 school year. From Pre-K to sixth grade students were thrilled to be in class and learn new things. Have a great year!