Message from the Executive Director

The Schools Foundation had the incredible honor of welcoming Ron Clark, founder of the Ron Clark Academy, to Huntsville for a truly unforgettable day of professional learning. On February 25th, more than 800 educators from across North Alabama gathered in the Saturn Ballroom at the Von Braun Center, and from the moment he stepped on stage, the energy in the room was undeniable. Ron challenged each of us to think differently, lead boldly, and commit to being just 1% better every single day for our students. His message was not only powerful for educators, but a reminder we can all carry into our daily lives both personally and professionally, as we strive to make a meaningful impact each day.

The inspiration and enthusiasm throughout the day were truly remarkable, leaving our educators energized and ready to return to their schools with renewed purpose. We are deeply grateful to Toyota USA and the Alabama Department of Education for making this transformative experience possible. Opportunities like this strengthen our educators, and in turn, elevate outcomes for students across our entire community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Ron Clark event. Together, we were inspired to embrace the power of being 1% better every day for our students, our schools, and our community. 

Ron Clark Photo Gallery

Huntsville City schools All-Star Team Wins

State Silver Medal

Huntsville City Schools’ All-Star Adapted Basketball Team made an incredible debut at the State Special Olympics Tournament in Auburn this month, bringing home a silver medal in their very first appearance. The team represented Huntsville with pride and determination, advancing all the way to the championship game and finishing with an exciting overtime performance. Their journey began with a spirited send-off as they boarded a charter bus, surrounded by cheerleaders and supporters who came out to celebrate them. Throughout the tournament, these student-athletes demonstrated teamwork, resilience, and heart, making their schools and community proud while setting the stage for many successful seasons to come.

This level of participation was made possible through the generous support of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Huntsville Utilities, and The Schools Foundation.

Madison City Celebrates STEM With

Activities At All Three Middle Schools

STEM learning is alive and thriving across Madison City Schools’ middle campuses, where students are engaging in hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and real-world connections. At Discovery Middle School, students put their innovation and problem-solving skills to the test through an exciting “Judo Bots” project. Using hydraulic power, they designed and built robotic arms, then refined their creations to improve performance and strategy before competing in classroom battles. Each round produced champions who advanced to a final showdown, showcasing not only their engineering skills but also their perseverance and teamwork.

At Journey Middle School, students in the Medical Detectives elective took a deep dive into the human body through a hands-on sheep brain dissection. This immersive experience allowed students to better understand brain structure and function while strengthening their observation and critical thinking skills. Meanwhile, Liberty Middle School students extended their STEM learning beyond the classroom with a visit to the Snap-on Manufacturing Plant in Elkmont. They observed firsthand how the tools they use daily are designed and produced. Observing CNC machining to final assembly brought their “We Build It Better” projects to life. Together, these experiences highlight the powerful ways Madison City Schools are preparing students to become the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

Girls Engaged in Math & Science (Gems)

Takes Center Stage 

Madison County Schools students recently participated in the Alabama GEMS Expo at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, where young innovators from across the state gathered to showcase their work in STEM.

GEMS, Girls Engaged in Math and Science, is a statewide initiative that inspires female students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while helping close the gender gap in STEM fields.

Throughout the day, students experienced hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and meaningful connections with professionals in STEM fields. Students showcased year-long STEM projects, participated in hands-on engineering experiences, connected with female STEM professionals, and supported their teachers in gaining new strategies through professional development to bring innovative STEM learning back to their classrooms.



This level of participation was made possible through the generous support of Lockheed Martin and The Schools Foundation. Their grant funded materials and attendance for our teams, ensuring these opportunities were accessible to students across the district.