TSF August 2025 Newsletter

Message from the Executive Director

We have had an exciting start to the new school year! Our schools are in full swing with lots of learning. The Schools Foundation has attended many events and ribbon cuttings during the past month. The Committee of 100 and The Schools Foundation presented over $77,000 to support teachers in their journey to National Board Certification. This was made possible through the Raise Your Hand Initiative.

Raise Your Hand is a bold initiative to add 500 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) to Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County schools systems.

National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. Research shows that NBCTs increase student achievement, improve classroom management, and produce a higher return on investment for their schools and community.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Baird Greer

The Schools Foundation supports our schools in the initiative to implement organized sports teams for our students with special needs. This initiative fosters teamwork, improves social interactions, and builds self-confidence. Students on the team engage in physical activities in a supportive and welcoming environment regardless of their skill level or physical abilities. In addition, the organized sports teams help to promote inclusivity on a larger scale which provides a sense of belonging for special needs students. The All-Star Abilities program assists with uniforms, travel expenses, banquets, and other expenses for each team.

MADISON CITY SCHOOLS IS LAUNCHING INTO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Madison City Schools launched the 2025-2026 school year using space themes for the world class education the district strives to provide. Madison City Schools and the Madison Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual “Back to School Breakfast!” This was a wonderful event where attendees learned about latest updates and initiatives shaping Madison City Schools. This morning gathering offered a unique opportunity for dynamic conversations and insights into the strategies and plans that will guide the future of education in Madison City Schools.

Proceeds from this event benefit the "Supporting Our Students" fund. In 2024, this event raised $11,000 for the fund, helping provide crucial resources and support to local educators and students. The video district multimedia instructor Clay Combs https://youtu.be/95d-8zXwKbI wowed the audience using a simulated out-of-this-world space mission by Dr. Nichols and Mr. Terrell.

🚀 STEM Day 2025: SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL

BRINGS THE ROCKET CITY TO MCSS

When Sparkman High School Engineering & Science Teacher Mr. Scott Coonfare imagined STEM Day, his vision was simple but powerful: Our students can’t dream of what they’ve never seen.

As an engineering teacher, Mr. Coonfare is known for creating hands-on learning experiences that connect students directly with STEM innovation in our area. His commitment to educating and inspiring students extends beyond Sparkman High. His vision for this event welcomed participation from schools within and beyond the Sparkman feeder pattern, making it a celebration for the entire Madison County Schools community.

Built through grassroots efforts, personal outreach, and strong community partnerships, this event grew from just an idea into a remarkable showcase of opportunity.

From NASA & NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center to Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, Blue Origin, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, US National Weather Service Huntsville Alabama, WAAY-TV, FOX54 News Huntsville, WHNT News 19, local media outlets, community partners, and school organizations, the day brought The Rocket City’s best opportunities directly to our students.

Hands-on experiences from rocket launches to weather balloon releases gave students a chance to explore, ask questions, and imagine themselves in careers that shape the future.

This remarkable event was possible because one educator had the vision, passion, and determination to bring it all together proving that when we connect learning to the world around us, every student benefits.

HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW CENTRAL OFFICE AND CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY

Huntsville City Schools (HCS) proudly marked a transformative milestone with the official grand opening and ribbon cutting of its brand-new central office and Huntsville Center for Technology (HCT) campus. The event, held at 2603 North Memorial Parkway, brought together district leaders, board of education members, local officials, community partners, and educators to celebrate the district’s continued investment in student success and operational excellence.

The new 14-acre campus represents a $60 million commitment to innovation, collaboration, and future-ready education. The central office, a 40,000-square-foot facility that will now serve as the centralized headquarters for the district’s approximately 150 administrative employees.

“This is more than just a building. It’s a bold step forward for our entire district,” said Carlos Mathews, HCS Board of Education President. “By bringing key departments and services under one roof, we are improving how we support our students, staff, and families across Huntsville.”

Who doesn't love something that is fast and simple?

Thanks to Huntsville Utilities, your pocket change has never been so powerful! You can support students and teachers at Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County schools by rounding up your utility bill to the nearest dollar each month, and signing up is fast and easy.

With an average annual investment of no more than $12, Huntsville Utilities’ customers can generate significant funding, which can have a BIG impact in our area schools.

The Schools Foundation |theschoolsfoundation.org